Formula 430 All Sport Crossover (2018-)

Brief Summary

The Formula 430 All Sport Crossover (ASC) is designed to take the concept of the 430 Super Sport Crossover (SSC) dayboat, and add capabilities such as fishing, snorkeling, diving, and stand-up paddle boarding. The new version retains all of the seating, sleeping quarters, and amenities of the Super Sport Crossover, but with added new possibilities.

Price

Engine Options

The Formula 430 All Sport Crossover (ASC) measures 45’6” (13.87 m) long with the outboards down in the running position and a 12’ (3.66 m) beam. It’s rare to find a boat set up for serious fishing with a full bow seating area.

Mission Statement

Formula is capitalizing on the consumer trend to outboards in larger boats and keeps the power at four Mercury Racing Verado outboards ranging from 300 to 400-hp each. The boat rides on the FAS3Tech stepped hull bottom design that our tests have shown enhances efficiency and top-end speed.

This is Formula’s first boat designed for the fishing market in memory and is a bold statement that will leave little doubt as to where the company is headed.

Distinguishing Features

• Action Stations. The 430 ASC has a bait-prep station with tackle storage and a 52-gallon (197 L) livewell module that, with drop in frames, can also accommodate storage for up to four dive tanks.

• Open Bow Seating. The bow seats wrap around two tables that raise electrically and come with filler cushions to enhance versatility.

• Extended Swim Platform. Part of the SmartZone design, the platform has 50 sq. ft. (4.65 sq. m) of space.

• Full Cabin. Below decks the boat has 6’6” (1.98 m) of headroom and an aft stateroom, rare for a boat with an open bow.

• Twin-Stepped Bottom Design. Provides speed and efficiency not found in non-stepped designs.

• Graphics Applied in Automotive Paint. Owners have a choice of three graphics patterns applied in paint and covered in Imron Elite clearcoat.

The 430 ASC’s swim platform has more than 50 sq. ft. (4.65 sq m) of space for fighting a fish.

Features Inspection

The All Sports Platform

Fishing Features. Since we covered the lounging/cruising amenities in detail in the Captain’s Report on the 430 SSC, let’s focus on the new elements that come with, or are available on, the ASC model.

Starting on the swim platform, there is a custom fabricated stainless-steel rail that extends above and ahead of the four outboards. Attached to it is an upholstered and well padded bolster, six rod holders and a separate module in the center contains four cup holders. Due to the height that starts at 36” (91 cm) and tops out at 43’, it’s much more comfortable than the typical waist height bosters that surround the average cockpit. This alone is a huge benefit to this clever and innovative design feature. Retractable stainless steel rails on each side lock into place to help make the platform more secure. These rails are slightly angled and run from 32” (81 cm) to 34” (86.4 cm) off the platform. When retracted, they slide into the bulwarks and out of sight.

Storage for stand up paddleboards can go into two positions.

Notice how the height of the bolster provides much more support than the waist high versions that surround the average cockpit.

A compartment to starboard in the stern is a full 6’ (1.86m) deep and serves as a dedicated space for long items such as gaffs, boat hooks and a boat-cleaning brush. To port, there’s a utility locker with shorepower and cable inlets, a hot and cold freshwater transom shower and a city-water receptacle.

There’s a padded bolster to the forward side of the platform so we can lean comfortably while watching the lines. If standing gets to be too tedious, then flip out the bench seat just beneath and take a seat.

And as if all this weren’t enough, there are receivers in the platform deck to accept board racks to horizontally mount a pair of stand-up paddleboards. They can go in two positions, and even the paddles can be stored in the gaff-boathook storage compartment to starboard. All Sports Crossover indeed.

Here a crewmember slides out the stainless-steel rail on the starboard side before locking it into position. Notice the padded bolster in the center of the transom.

The aft seat flips out from the transom to add comfort while watching the lines.

Here we see the rails locked in place and notice how the rod holders are designed to be well above the motors.

Dedicated storage for gaff hooks and long-handled items is convenient. Even paddles for our boards can go in here.

The All Action Cockpit

Livewell and Grill. At the front of the swim platform the module that holds the 52-gallon (196.84 L) livewell is to starboard of the step up into the cockpit. To port, Formula installs the grill under a folding cover. Just behind the livewell, there are four combination rod holders and cup holders. As an option, one can be swapped out for an outboard joystick. This would make the area much more efficient when backing down on a fish.

The livewell itself is properly designed with a light blue finish, rounded corners, thru-hull drainage, a fill mixer and a front-facing window in the base. Drain the well, add inserts, and the compartment has space for up to four dive tanks. Formula used digital switching for the livewell and for systems throughout the boat.

The second joystick installed behind the livewell is an available option. It eliminates one of the four rod holders. Notice the dive tanks stored inside the livewell.

Joystick. Just behind the livewell, an owner who plans to do a lot of fishing can add the optional Mercury joystick control. It puts the captain closer to the action so he can stay in communication with an angler or mate when working a fish.

The livewell is at the stern, right where the action is.

Drain the livewell and there’s space for four dive tanks.

Formula provides this plastic divider to keep the dive tanks secure.

Get Prepped. Just ahead of the livewell to starboard, the bait prep and tackle station has a removable cutting board, a freshwater sink, a paper towel holder, a raw water washdown hose, a tackle drawer and space for a five-gallon bucket in the base. There’s also a dedicated knife block, line spool holders and an accessory switch panel. The underside of the lid has raised edges to hold the tackle sorters that are stored below, and keep them from sliding off.

The window in the livewell makes it easy to check on baits and the adjacent prep station has everything an angler needs.

The bait-prep station has a freshwater sink and this paper-towel holder under the cover. A cutting surface is to the side. And notice how the tackle sorter is held from sliding at the far end. It stores into sliders below.

The 430 ASC comes with dedicated storage in the base of the bait-prep station that includes line holders, tool holders, a 5-gallon (18.93L) bucket, pull-out drawers and tackle sorters.

There are switches here for the livewell pumps, raw water pumps, macerator and even switching for the two electrically actuated outriggers. Notice the quick connects for the raw and fresh water washdowns to the right. A pull-out shower is just above.

With everything well located, all of our work can be done in one area.

The tackle drawers open on sturdy sliders and have space for accessories.

This raw-water washdown at the stern and another in the bait-prep station make it easier to clean up at the end of the day.

In the Fishing Zone. Moving into the 430 ASC’s cockpit, there are additional fishing features that Formula worked into its SmartZone design concept. To port, the base of the lounge has a 75-gallon (284 L) fishbox that can be upgraded with refrigerator coils allowing it to be chilled down to freezing. Overhead are fishing rod racks. For relaxing, to starboard there’s a horseshoe-shaped lounge that wraps around a table. It can be lowered with the push of a button to recess flush to the deck, or lowered partway and filled in with cushions to create a sun pad.

Coup Top Construction. All of the seats are finished with Pre-Fixx anti-stain upholstery coating and are sewn with Tenara element-resistant threads. They’re fabricated on StarLite XL lightweight synthetic panels and padded with DriFast foam. They won’t rot and whisk away water.

The boat comes standard with a woven mat in the cockpit and synthetic teak is an available option. The Coupe Top has integrated vents, a large retractable sunroof and shades can be manually closed.

An eclectically actuated awning can be extended from the aft side of the hardtop. A standard aft cockpit enclosure is made out of Sunbrella. Blue-white LED lights illuminate the cockpit and blue underwater lights are an available option. A “Sound-to-Light” upgrade with Wi-Fi controls syncs the underwater lights to music.

The lounge to port looks like a typical seat on a Formula with accent lighting and cup holders outboard. Inside however, is an insulated fishbox that can be chilled down to freezing.

The bottom cushion for that lounge raises to reveal a 75-gallon (283 L) fishbox so the day’s catch can be iced down for the trip back to the docks.

An optional chiller can be added to keep the fish box cold, or freezing if desired.

An electric grill allows us to cook up the day's catch while it’s still fresh.

The cockpit table can be raised to its full height for dining, as seen here, or lowered with the push of a button. Notice how it can also recess flush with the deck. Add another pedestal seat for seating to three sides.

At the end of the day, fishing rods can be stored overhead in a dedicated rack. Additional rod storage is below in the cabin.

Shades in the hardtop can be drawn to keep the sun from beating down into the cockpit.

Open-air Cooking. Forward of the port lounge, the 430 ASC has the same cockpit galley as the SSC model with Corian countertops, a fiberglass molded sink with a sliding cover, a stainless-steel drawer-style Isotherm refrigerator, a blender, a trash can and paper towel holders. There’s storage in drawers made with StarBoard panels and a 240-volt electric grill is an available upgrade. The cockpit also has a removable Yeti Tundra 35 cooler.

The cockpit galley is fully featured and includes plenty of countertop space for preparing refreshments.

Thanks to Raymarine multifunction displays the 430 ASC’s dash has no traditional gauges. This glass-dash concept is something we’re seeing more and more, and here it’s well executed.

The Helm

The Helm. Across from the cockpit galley, the helm has three individual seats, and flip-up bolsters allow passengers and the captain to decide if they want to travel in a seated or standing position. The seats also have the first we’ve seen of optional air conditioning vents in the seatbacks. We found this to be a remarkably comfortable addition on our hot test day. Three individual power-adjustable footrests further customize the riding position.

The three-across helm seats are electrically-actuated, have bolsters, are comfortable, and – have in-seat air conditioning.

Vents in the back of the seats waft cool air onto the back of those lucky enough to be sitting there.

The composite dash panel features twin Raymarine eS128 GPS multifunction displays that can be upgraded to include twin, or even triple, Raymarine gS165s. Mercury’s Digital Throttle and Shift with SmartCraft VesselView and joystick piloting put the driver in total control. Waterproof rocker switches in Liquid Black panels are finished with metallic accents and illuminate when activated. A helm-mounted Raymarine gS95 display and wireless iPad control with subscription-ready cellular remote control let the captain control virtually every onboard function. The lockable glovebox provides a secure place for valuables.

For entertaining guests, the 430 comes with a Rockford Fosgate stereo with iPod and USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, 10 JL Audio speakers with blue LED lights and 600 watts of amplification plus two lighted 200-watt subwoofers.

Formula created one of the most professional-grade helms we’ve seen in class for the 430. The glass-dash concept allows for up to three 15” (38 cm) displays and iPad connectivity.

Notice how the underside of the flip-up bolsters are curved to provide more security, and comfort, when in the standing position. And note, that unlike some European coupes, this one can be steered when standing up.

The Mercury Joystick Piloting system gives the driver full control of the quad 400-hp outboards when docking. Another unit at the stern allows for better sightlines when backing down on a fish.

The Bow

The Bow. An opening section to the port windshield, and a lower air dam, provide access to the 430 ASC’s bow seating area. The bow seating nearly covers the 360-degrees of this cockpit. There’s a forward-facing triple-wide lounge that includes a full-length chaise-style seat to starboard. An armrest adds to the comfort level, and includes two drink holders and a Corian accent.

Two electrically actuated tables served double duty as the deck on this bowrider. When it is time for a picnic, cocktail party or alfresco dinner, the push of a button raises one or both of these two tables. If there are just a couple of people, then one table will suffice. If there is a crowd, then raise both tables. With the deck/tables at mid-level, and a filler cushion, the space can be turned into a huge sun pad.

A molded-in dual compartment cooler keeps cool drinks in reach and a trash receptacle helps keep the area neat. There’s a stereo remote in the bow and if the rays get too strong, the standard sun shade can be erected easily. The awning is supported by four supports that fit into dedicated recepticals on the rail.

Two people can sit comfortably on the forward-facing lounge in the bow.

Here a couple enjoys a drink at one of the two tables that can be raised electrically. A specially designed cover goes over the tables when serving food.

The bow shade comes standard and it installs quickly.

Smart Storage. The 430 ASC has 25 cup holders throughout the bow, cockpit, and stern. Storage is in lockers underneath hinged seat bottom cushions and there are a total of 13 molded tubs and compartments throughout the boat. A hatch in the cockpit deck opens on gas struts to provide access to the mechanical room where items such as trim pumps and fuel-water separators can be checked on.

Throughout the 430 ASC’s cockpit and bow, there’s storage beneath hinged bottom cushions on most of the seats.

Fenders are stored in this clever rack on the underside of the hatch in the cockpit deck.

The Cabin

The Cabin. A sliding hatch much like those seen on sailboats -- to port of the helm station -- opens to the companionway below. The 430 ASC’s cabin has 6’6” (1.98 m) of headroom. A U-shaped Ultraleather lounge is a cozy spot for dinner or cocktails, or perhaps even lunch on a cold, blustery day.

The dining table drops down to create a forward berth. Sleeping legroom can be enhanced by raising the forward backrest. The resulting platform with filler cushion is large and comfortable and allows two couples or a small family to overnight on the boat.

The dining area converts to a berth. The forward bolster flips open to reveal more foot room and a place to store the filler cushions.

The Galley

The lower galley has a Corian sink with an Elkay folding swivel faucet and slide-away cover. The 430 comes standard with an overhead microwave oven, a concealed electric stove with a cutting board cover, a blender and a concealed trash container. Hardwood dovetail drawers open and close silently on stainless steel tracks and a blue LED light equipped cabinet showcase is stocked with tempered stemware, tumblers and bottle storage. To port there’s a large pull-out Vitrifigo stainless-steel refrigerator and additional storage including a cedar-lined hanging locker.

The galley is well laid out and outfitted for weekend getaways. Notice the TV to the aft side.

Entertainment Features. Positioned to starboard above the galley, the 32” (81.3cm) HDTV with sound bar and a Blu-ray player is in a good line of sight from the forward lounge. To port, an electronics pylon has a control for the Rockford Fosgate stereo, the air conditioning, light switches and a LaunchPort inductive charging system for the iPad Mini that comes with the 430.

Stand-Up Head. Located to starboard between the galley and the aft berth, the private head has a molded vanity with a Corian countertop and sink with a wall-mounted faucet. For showering, a Corian seat covers the Vacuflush toilet.

Private Stateroom. Abaft the cabin steps, a privacy curtain closes off a stateroom that has a queen-sized Sensus memory foam mattress. The upholstered headboard has individual reading lights, dual USB charging ports, and an additional LaunchPort inductive charging system. There’s a larger locker at the foot of the berth. As part of the ASC package, the cabin has overhead rod storage.

The aft cabin has a queen-sized berth, flatscreen TV and overhead rod storage.

Power and Hull Design

Formula offers the boat with four outboards from Mercury Marine rated at 300, 350 and from Mercury Racing, 400-hp engines. All the engine packages come with Joystick Piloting and the boat has Bennett hydraulic trim tabs.

-->

Test

Conditions onsite prevented us from getting our own test numbers, but Formula has done extensive testing on this boat and report that with the quad Mercury Racing 400s turning 14 5/8x18 pitch props, they reached a top speed of 59 mph. Best cruise came in at 5000 rpm and 41.5 mph. At that speed, the boats 66.2 gph fuel burn translated into .6 mpg and a range of 161 miles.

Four Mercury outboards push the twin-stepped bottom to speeds up to 59 mph.

The 430 All Sport Crossover is still a Formula and that means she has a performance-based heritage that is consistent with the brand.

Similar Numbers. Not surprisingly, while we couldn’t get proper numbers on the ASC, we have run the identically powered 430 SSC, and those numbers are remarkably close to what Formula achieved with the ASC. With four people on board, just under a half tank of fuel and test gear, our test boat weighed an estimated 27,828 lbs. (12,623 kg). With the engines spinning 14 5/8” x 19” (37.15 cm x 48.26 cm) four-blade Mercury Rev 4 props, we hit a top speed of 64.2 mph (103.3 kph) at 7000 rpm.

Best cruise came at 5000 rpm, where we hit 42.6 mph (68.5 kph) and burned 58.6 gph (221.6 lph), giving the boat a range of 327 statute miles (526 kilometers).

-->

On Board Systems. The 430 All Sport Crossover comes standard with a 10 kW/120-volt Kohler low-CO diesel generator with a sound shield, and dedicated 30-gallon (114-L) tank and battery. Under full load, Formula tells us that this genny will burn roughly 1 gph leaving plenty of cushion for offshore runs to the canyons. There are four starting batteries, one for each engine, plus two batteries units in protective trays. On the bow, there’s a concealed windlass with 200’ (62 m) of chain and a polished stainless-steel anchor.

Warranty

Transferable 5-year Formula Guard Limited Production Plan with 10-year Structural Warranty (USA Only). Formula has one of the best warranty programs in the industry.

Retail Price

Observations

Formula takes a proven concept with the Super Sport Crossover (SSC) and expands on it with the All Sport Crossover. The layout still offers the best of multiple worlds with spacious seating in the cockpit and bow and the full cabin below decks. And, the FAS3TECH stepped bottom and outboard motors are part of a design and propulsion trend that is showing no signs of slowing down.

With the addition of the fishing and diving features, Formula further enhances the boat’s capabilities and that can only draw more interest from consumers.

Frankly, the folks at Formula should be proud of themselves for getting the fishing features so right on their first foray into fishy waters. And the conversion of the livewell into a four-dive tank holder is brilliant. It’s innovative thinking such as this that exemplifies a characteristic we’ve long been touting… the Formula Difference.